For the Yankees, an era ended in September, and the team spent a long, lonely month away from the postseason, plotting the beginning of another. With the World Series over, and the team’s biggest rivals crowned champions, an offseason that figures to be momentous can now begin.

After missing the playoffs for only the second time since 1993, the Yankees can only hope to match the feat of the Red Sox, who went from 69 victories to a title. The Yankees won 85 games in 2013, but they still face multiple holes in their lineup and starting rotation. Plus, they are still tasked with trying to reduce the payroll beneath the $189 million luxury-tax threshold.

Yet the team intends to be quite active this winter. In addition to talented, 25-year-old Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, the Yankees are expected to pursue high-profile additions like outfielder Carlos Beltran, catcher Brian McCann and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. In addition, the team intends to retain second baseman Robinson Cano, who figures to cash in for a nine-figure payday as a free agent.

Resolutions on these fronts will come with time. Free agency is a gradual process, and November is only the beginning. But a few answers should come shortly, including the status of shortstop Derek Jeter. He has until Monday to decide whether he will accept his $9.5 million player option for 2014, or elect free agency. Coming off the worst season of his career, a 17-game campaign marred by leg injuries, he is expected to take the option.

Thirteen Yankees will become free agents next Tuesday. The team is expected to tender qualifying offers to Cano, starter Hiroki Kuroda and outfielder Curtis Granderson. The team must decide to deliver those offers by Monday.

The qualifying offer is a one-year, $14.1 million contract, and none of these three are expected to accept. If the player signs elsewhere, as Rafael Soriano and Nick Swisher did last winter, the Yankees receive a compensatory draft pick.

Cano, of course, will test free agency. In earlier conversations with the club, Cano reportedly requested a 10-year, $300 million contract. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has said he does not expect his organization to dole out any 10-year deals in the near future. But negotiations with Cano figure to continue throughout the winter.

Kuroda earned $15 million in 2013, and likely deserves a raise, despite his implosion in September. But general manager Brian Cashman worries about Kuroda leaving for Japan. He could also be lured to pitch for one of the two Los Angeles teams, which are closer to home.

Granderson presents a complicated case. A pair of freak hand injuries wrecked his season. He posted a career-low .723 on-base plus slugging percentage in 61 games. Plus, his preference is to remain a Yankee.

Even so, Granderson has no history of chronic ailments. He averaged 30 homers and an .842 OPS during the past three seasons, which compares favorably with recent $90 million man Hunter Pence, who averaged 24 homers and a .812 OPS during that time. The Chicago White Sox, Granderson’s hometown team, are considered one likely suitor, and one baseball official indicated he would be "blown away" if Granderson did not receive a series of lucrative offers.

One Yankee who almost assuredly will not receive a qualifying offer? Starter Phil Hughes, who decimated his free-agent value with a wretched season (4-14, 5.19 ERA). Like fellow former top prospect Joba Chamberlain, Hughes will likely depart the organization without compensation.